"I was honored to have the opportunity to meet with Karnit Goldwasser this afternoon," Majority Leader Hoyer said. "I have great sympathy for her situation, and I pray that she and Udi will be reunited soon."

Sargeant Ehud "Udi" Goldwasser and fellow soldier Eldad Regev were captured by Hezbollah in July 2006. Hamas has held another Israeli soldier, Gilad Shalit, since June 2006.

"The return of all three captive soldiers is a necessary step to restoring the peace process," Hoyer stated. "I truly hope that countries with influence over Hezbollah and Hamas will encourage them to do the right thing and send these soldiers home to their families and friends."